8 Top Costco Buys Still Loved by the Rich and Wealthy
Written by
Madeline Duley
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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It’s easy to envision wealthy shoppers exclusively shopping for luxury goods at places like Erewon, Whole Foods and specialty grocers, outsourcing every aspect of their shopping experience. After all, their deep pockets afford them a lifestyle of extravagance and convenience, but the opposite is often the case.
While their pockets may be deep, wealthy shoppers are some of the most discerning and frugal with their money. They understand the value of the hard-earned dollar and the relentless effort required to attain and sustain their wealth. For these shoppers, Costco stands out for its affordability and convenience, attracting even the most affluent shoppers.
This retailer’s surprising appeal to wealthy shoppers is understandable due to the unmatched combination of value, variety and high-quality offers. Keep reading to discover the eight Costco buys cherished by the rich, even when they can afford to shop at more expensive stores.
Electronics
Wealthy shoppers aren’t just after the latest gadgets — they are also on the lookout for unbeatable deals. When it comes to cutting-edge electronics, where better to find both than at Costco?
“Not sure if regular folks know this but the wealthy know that Costco sells electronics,” said David Bakke, shopping expert at DollarSanity. “They’re not sold in bulk but sometimes have stellar deals. In particular, smartphones, laptops and TVs.”
For instance, Costco is offering the newest line of Airpods, priced at just $149.99. Compared to Apple’s retail price of $169, Costco’s sizable discount demonstrates the store’s offerings of premium tech at an unbeatable price.
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breasts
While the affluent may have a taste for the finer things in life, they aren’t going to turn down a good deal. When it comes to kitchen essentials like protein, Costco’s signature chicken breasts reign supreme. Priced at just $18.54 for 6 pounds, these chicken breasts are a staple among the wealthy for their unbeatable blend of quality and affordability.
“Costco brand frozen chicken breasts are a favorite amongst the wealthy because they are cheap, as well as quick and easy to parse together in a recipe,” Bakke said. “And since they’re sold in bulk you can put together a big batch of them and freeze the leftovers which saves more time. And if you’ve ever met a wealthy person, the first thing they’ll tell you is that time is in fact money.”
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
No one loves their salads quite as much as the wealthy. While they might not be Kardashian-level wealthy, even shoppers with deep pockets know that eating nutrient-dense meals can add up quickly. Costco emerges as the go-to destination for wealthy shoppers looking to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables without sacrificing quality.
“The produce section at Costco is often overlooked because you would need to think of buying something other than 20 pounds of tomatoes,” Bakke said. “But it’s not set up that way. Believe it or not, the freshness is there, the quality is pretty darn good and the prices are uber-competitive.”
Take, for example, Costco’s romaine hearts, priced at just $3.99 for a pack of six — a fraction of the cost compared to other retailers. While three romaine hearts at Trader Joe’s fall at $3.49, you can get double the product for just a few cents more at Costco.
Kirkland Organic Almond Milk
Those with deep pockets have the income reliability to spend more money upfront for long-term savings. Costco’s Kirkland Organic Almond Milk stands out as a prime example of quality and value beloved by affluent shoppers who prefer organic offerings and long-term savings.
“The wealthy care a lot about their health and can afford to make organic purchases most of the time. Costco’s Kirkland brand organic almond milk is a steal at $10 for six 32 oz. cartons,” Bakke said.
A-Sha Taiwanese Ramen Noodles
While pre-packaged meals often come with a hefty price tag, Costco’s A-Sha Taiwanese Ramen Noodles offer an exception. With the financial freedom to indulge in convenience without sacrificing quality, affluent shoppers love the elevated instant meal experience the A-Sha Taiwanese Ramen noodles offer.
“The rich prefer both variety and convenience in their diet and this is where these noodles fit in perfectly. But trust me, they are Ramen in name only,” Bakke said. “I only say that because when you say Ramen noodles, you normally think cheap and average quality. These are not. They are high quality and taste great when mixed with the included savory soy sauce. A bargain at $9.79 for 12 packs.”
Vitamix Cooking Appliances
Costco’s wide variety of high-end appliances at unbeatable prices makes it a haven for savvy shoppers, especially when it comes to Vitamix blenders. Known for their superior performance and durability, Vitamix appliances are highly sought after, and by purchasing them at Costco, you can enjoy some major savings.
“Believe it or not, the wealthy do cook at home, but they don’t buy cheap appliances,” Bakke said. “Costco features the Vitamix brand, which is mostly blenders and mixers. Their one-stop shop option which is the A2500 model, comes with everything you need. It’s smart, and goes for $879.”
For those seeking greater savings, the Vitamix E320 is a compelling option, priced at $359.99, the Costco warehouse offers significant savings, as the Vitamix brand’s website features the same product for a much steeper $479.95.
Dyson Cordless Vacuum
Affluent individuals who prioritize a clean home environment opt to shop at Costco for high-end cleaning tools at unbeatable prices — particularly the Dyson cordless vacuum. From its multifloor compatibilities, strong suction and incredible edge-compatibilities, it’s no wonder the rich are flocking to Costco to acquire Dyson’s state-of-the-art cleaning performance.
“The wealthy love quality and convenience, but when they can save as well, they like it even better (that’s one of the reasons they’re rich),” Bakke said. “Dyson has been a high-quality brand in the cleaning space for years, and you can get the DC25 model for $319.99.”
Apple Mac Mini
Those with the means to invest in cutting-edge technology are securing great deals on tech essentials at Costco. Compatible with any monitor with a USB-C or HDMI port, the Apple Mac mini is a Costco favorite among those with financial flexibility.
“I think the Mac Mini is appealing to the wealthy because it’s different, it doesn’t take up a lot of space and it’s rather powerful,” Bakke said. “You can get a base brand for $500 at Costco, and it essentially serves as a desktop computer in the size of a large coaster.”
With its 16-core Neutral Engine and 100GB memory bandwidth, this Mac Mini offers impressive performance and seamless setup making it a preferred choice for wealthy shoppers looking to use any screen as their computer.
Prices and availability are accurate as of March 8, 2024, and are subject to change.
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